Helsinki, Capital city in southern Finland.
Helsinki extends across numerous coastal islands and peninsulas along the Gulf of Finland, connecting its maritime heritage with urban development through a network of bridges.
Founded in 1550 by King Gustav I of Sweden, Helsinki later became the capital when Finland gained independence from Russia in 1917.
The city features the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, National Museum, and Design Museum, displaying collections of Finnish heritage and Nordic innovations.
The Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport connects to downtown through regular train services, with departures every 20 minutes and a journey time of 35 minutes.
During summer months, Helsinki experiences white nights with up to 19 hours of daylight, while winter brings extended periods of darkness.
Location: Uusimaa
Inception: June 12, 1550
Founders: Gustav I of Sweden
Elevation above the sea: 17 m
Reference: 091
Shares border with: Espoo, Vantaa, Sipoo
Address: Helsinki, Finland 00100–00990 Helsinki
Website: https://hel.fi/en
GPS coordinates: 60.16662,24.94354
Latest update: November 10, 2025 15:13
Helsinki offers a unique mix of Nordic traditions and modern urban spaces. The city features public saunas like Sompasauna by the sea, where entry is free thanks to volunteer work, as well as century-old market halls such as Hakaniemi, built in 1914. Surrounding islands like Sisä-Hattu allow visitors to view ancient rock carvings in preserved natural surroundings, while Kivinokka beach provides direct access to the sea from a wooded area. Downtown combines various architectural styles, from granite churches to wooden buildings like Kamppi Chapel, a quiet spot amid the city's activity. Art enthusiasts will find the graffiti wall at Suvilahti, a legal space for artistic expression, and those seeking less-known locations will discover themed bars like Trillby & Chadwick, decorated in the 1920s style. A few kilometers away, Liesjärvi National Park offers hiking trails through forests abundant in berries and mushrooms, while the abandoned villas of Kruunuvuori reflect a bygone era.
Suomenlinna
3.4 km
Helsinki Olympic Stadium
2.5 km
Helsinki Cathedral
656 m
Linnanmäki
2.4 km
Temppeliaukio Church
1.2 km
Sea Life Aquarium
2.5 km
Eduskuntatalo
885 m
Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd
365 m
Havis Amanda
448 m
Mäntyniemi
3.3 km
Finlandia Hall
1.2 km
Kesäranta
2.9 km
Majakka
3.1 km
Malminkartanonhuippu
10.9 km
Uspenski Cathedral
931 m
Senate Square
579 m
Presidential Palace
713 m
Helsinki Central Library Oodi
857 m
Lapinlahti – Center for Arts, Culture and Mental Wellbeing
1.7 km
Taiga
2.4 km
Helsinki-Malmi Airport
11.2 km
Vesikko
3.7 km
Kiasma
670 m
Ateneum
386 m
Helsinki Prison
3.4 km
National Museum of Finland
1.1 km
Sibelius Monument
2.4 km
Seurasaari
3.9 kmReviews
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